What is considered an oversupply of breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Breastfeeding is often celebrated for its numerous benefits, but for some mothers, the experience can be complicated by an oversupply of breast milk. This condition, medically referred to as hyperlactation or hypergalactia, occurs when a mother produces more milk than her baby requires. While breastfeeding typically establishes a balance between supply and demand, oversupply can disrupt this equilibrium, leading to discomfort for the mother and feeding challenges for the infant.
Defining Oversupply
An oversupply of breast milk is generally characterized by the production of more than what is needed for the baby’s consumption. For context, a newborn typically consumes about 2.5 to 5 ounces of breast milk per feeding. In cases of oversupply, a mother might find that she has 6 ounces or more in one breast alone, which can lead to feelings of fullness and discomfort. This condition often manifests within the first few days postpartum, as the body adjusts to the demands of breastfeeding.
Symptoms and Effects
Mothers experiencing oversupply may notice several symptoms, including firm, aching breasts that feel uncomfortably full. This discomfort can escalate to pain if not managed properly. Additionally, infants may struggle with the fast flow of milk, leading to issues such as choking, gagging, or excessive spitting up. The rapid flow can also make it difficult for babies to latch effectively, which can further complicate the breastfeeding experience.
Causes of Oversupply
The reasons behind an oversupply of breast milk can vary. Factors may include hormonal imbalances, overactive milk ejection reflex, or simply the body’s initial response to breastfeeding demands. In some cases, mothers who pump frequently may inadvertently signal their bodies to produce more milk than necessary.
Managing Oversupply
For mothers facing this challenge, there are several strategies to help manage and reduce milk production. Techniques such as hand expressing or pumping just enough to relieve pressure before feeding can help control the flow. Additionally, adopting certain feeding positions that utilize gravity, like laid-back nursing, can slow down the milk flow and make feeding more comfortable for the baby. Frequent burping and allowing the infant breaks during feeding can also help them manage the fast flow.
Conclusion
While an oversupply of breast milk can present challenges, understanding the condition and implementing effective management strategies can help mothers navigate this complex aspect of breastfeeding. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of oversupply, mothers can take proactive steps to ensure a more comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their babies.

What is considered an overproducer of breast milk?

Oversupply of breastmilk is when you continue to make too much milk after the first 6 weeks of feeding. Oversupply of breastmilk can have many causes. Oversupply can make breastfeedingdifficult for you and your baby. If you think you have oversupply, get support from a healthcare professional.

Will oversupply correct itself?

An oversupply normally settles down in time as your supply regulates. But if it persists beyond six to eight weeks, the following might be helpful: Check your baby is latching well at the breast. Leaning back when feeding can help to slow the flow down if your baby finds it hard to latch (Trimeloni and Spencer, 2016).

Will my milk supply decrease if I pump every 6 hours?

Missing one or two regularly scheduled pump sessions can leave you feeling uncomfortable and engorged, but it won’t affect your supply. Just try to pump as soon as you can after your skipped sesh. But keep in mind that skipping more sessions over time will decrease your milk production.

How many ounces of breastmilk is a good supply?

An infant who is exclusively breastfed might need anywhere between 478-1356 mL/16.16-48.85 oz breastmilk every day. For infants between 1-6 months old, the average is around 750 mL/25.36 oz a day. A single breastfeeding session might produce between 54-234 mL/1.82-7.91 oz of milk.

How do I know if I’m overfeeding my breastfed baby?

When feeding your little one, you should also worry if they’re getting too much milk. Look out for these signs of overfeeding breastfed baby: Frequent Spitting Up: Spitting up more than usual can indicate your baby is overfed. While spitting up is common, excessive spitting can be a clear sign of overfeeding.

How many ounces is considered oversupply?

When feeding directly at breast, the average 1-9 month old will take about 2.5-5 oz of breastmilk per feed. In the context of oversupply, a woman may have 6 or more ounces in one breast alone.

Can you overfeed a breastfed baby if you have an oversupply?

If you’re experiencing clogged ducts or noticing your breasts are engorged, you may be overproducing breast milk, which means your baby is likely getting too much, too. There are things you can do to help, like only feeding when your baby is hungry or pumping less frequently.

How much breast milk is too much?

Over breastfeeding should be suspected where infants show rapid weight gain (normal infant body weight increase is 20–60 grams per day).

What is considered a lot of milk when pumping?

In an average fifteen to twenty minute breast milk pumping session, most moms express between . 5 ounces and four ounces of breast milk total. Some moms called “superproducers” are able to express four to eight ounces of breast milk per pumping session, but that is definitely not standard.

Can I pump every 4 hours if I have oversupply?

Ideally you should pump as many times as baby is eating. When that’s every 2-3 hours, you would pump every 2-3 hours. If you’re prone to oversupply (as I was), every 2-3 hours can cause you to make WAY too much milk since pumping empties both breasts at once. A baby only has one mouth.